By Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times
Grambling State football fans have, at least historically, had a good idea about their football team at this time of the year.
Through much of Eddie Robinson's coaching career and on to Doug Williams' career, the Tigers have been either contenders or favorites in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
But a 3-8 season last year resulted in the dismissal of Melvin Spears as head coach and the hiring of Rod Broadway.
Broadway, in turn, has reshaped the Tigers' roster. Half of the GSU roster is filled with newcomers.
Little wonder then that GSU fans don't have a feel for this season.
Heck, even the coach doesn't know what to expect.
"You don't know how these guys are going to perform," Broadway said earlier this week. "I hope it's going to be better than it's been in preseason. Because one day we're good and one day we're bad.
"There's no consistency in the program right now. I truly believe the characteristic of a champion is someone who is able to repeat their performance day in and day out. And we're not able to do that."
One of the reasons for the inconsistency is self-made — inexperience.
The Tigers ended spring practice with 45 players. They have since brought in 45 newcomers.
"We had 45 guys back from spring and we brought in 45 new guys," Broadway said. "Half of our football team is new. Trying to get those guys trained up and knowing what college football is all about. So many of them are walkons.
"We had one or two guys who transferred. We have about 25 scholarship guys and the rest of them are walkons.
"Hopefully those guys can grow into being good football players for us. Our job is to keep them here and develop them as people and as players. If we can keep this class, or the majority of the class, intact then I think we have a chance to be a pretty good football team to take down the road."
But Grambling fans are more concerned about Saturday than they are down the road.
This is a team that has a proven quarterback in Brandon Landers and a top receiving target in Clyde Edwards.
They could be good. And maybe they should be good this season.
"I'm anxious to see what this team can do," Broadway said. "I don't know the competition that's in this league.
" I know there are some well-coached teams in this league. I know there are some good coaches. And there is some talent in this league. I don't know where we fit in as far as talent. I don't know where we fit in."
Regardless of the outcome of this season, Broadway is about building a program. He's not looking for a quick fix.
"Our main concern right now is the attitude of our players because some things have happened," the GSU coach said. "Trying to change the culture and get the confidence back is a major job for us."
Grambling State football fans have, at least historically, had a good idea about their football team at this time of the year.
Through much of Eddie Robinson's coaching career and on to Doug Williams' career, the Tigers have been either contenders or favorites in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
But a 3-8 season last year resulted in the dismissal of Melvin Spears as head coach and the hiring of Rod Broadway.
Broadway, in turn, has reshaped the Tigers' roster. Half of the GSU roster is filled with newcomers.
Little wonder then that GSU fans don't have a feel for this season.
Heck, even the coach doesn't know what to expect.
"You don't know how these guys are going to perform," Broadway said earlier this week. "I hope it's going to be better than it's been in preseason. Because one day we're good and one day we're bad.
"There's no consistency in the program right now. I truly believe the characteristic of a champion is someone who is able to repeat their performance day in and day out. And we're not able to do that."
One of the reasons for the inconsistency is self-made — inexperience.
The Tigers ended spring practice with 45 players. They have since brought in 45 newcomers.
"We had 45 guys back from spring and we brought in 45 new guys," Broadway said. "Half of our football team is new. Trying to get those guys trained up and knowing what college football is all about. So many of them are walkons.
"We had one or two guys who transferred. We have about 25 scholarship guys and the rest of them are walkons.
"Hopefully those guys can grow into being good football players for us. Our job is to keep them here and develop them as people and as players. If we can keep this class, or the majority of the class, intact then I think we have a chance to be a pretty good football team to take down the road."
But Grambling fans are more concerned about Saturday than they are down the road.
This is a team that has a proven quarterback in Brandon Landers and a top receiving target in Clyde Edwards.
They could be good. And maybe they should be good this season.
"I'm anxious to see what this team can do," Broadway said. "I don't know the competition that's in this league.
" I know there are some well-coached teams in this league. I know there are some good coaches. And there is some talent in this league. I don't know where we fit in as far as talent. I don't know where we fit in."
Regardless of the outcome of this season, Broadway is about building a program. He's not looking for a quick fix.
"Our main concern right now is the attitude of our players because some things have happened," the GSU coach said. "Trying to change the culture and get the confidence back is a major job for us."
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